Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

775. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the Gaeltacht school recognition scheme; the number of schools recognised to-date as Gaeltacht schools under the scheme; the locations of same; the expected timeline for the recognition of schools under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13697/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There are currently 103 primary and 29 post-primary schools participating is the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme. The table below indicates the number of schools currently participating in the Scheme by county.

A validation process for Gaeltacht School recognition commenced in October 2022. The purpose of the validation process is to confirm that schools participating in the Scheme are fulfilling the language-based criteria as set out in the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme.

The validation process for recognition as a Gaeltacht School takes the form of an evaluation visit to the school from the Inspectorate. Following the visit, the inspector compiles a report on the details and findings of the evaluation and provides a recommendation to the Gaeltacht Education Unit as to whether or not Gaeltacht School status should be granted to the school. The process of awarding recognition to schools has not yet commenced.

It is anticipated that evaluation visits by inspectors will continue until Easter 2024.